A MARKET trader is hoping to be the 'leader' of regeneration at Weaver Square as it looks to open a permanent home.

Mother and daughter team Penny and Emma Hitch opened Vinnies Cakes and Shakes at Northwich Indoor Market last year.

Following success three days a week, the pair are hoping to transform a vacant site in Market Street into the go-to place in town for sweet treats.

Penny told the Guardian: "We want to be the leaders in the regeneration project for that part of town. We want to bring back the footfall in the area.

"We opened up the market stall as a test to see how the business would go, and we are already in a position after a year where we can expand.

"We're really excited to see how it can grow."

As well as their market stall in Northwich, Penny and Emma have enjoyed a growing following at The Makers Market in Manchester.

While the town centre has been boosted by new bars over the past 12 months, Emma believes that Vinnies will bring something 'completely different' to Northwich.

"There are a lot of coffee shops in town but nothing that does what we do," she added.

"We want to open as a shake bar, serving ice creams and cakes.

"By having a permanent place we can open longer, so families can visit after school, or people on a diet can pick up a smoothie at breakfast.

"We really do want to be family oriented – it's all about giving something back to the community."

Penny and Emma are currently waiting for planning approval for their new home from Cheshire West and Chester Council.

To see the application, search for '18/00317/FUL' on CWAC's planning website.